I wouldn't say which is better between Tempest and Candela, they sound similar in many aspects, what helps a lot on what to choose is the base capabilities and expanded functions of both.
Personally I am still with Tempest but my decision was based not only in sound.
You can't loose nothing whether you pick one or another
not sure i agree-i think the candella is a step or 2 above the tempest-not taking anything away from the tempest-but its not as seductivly musical
i still own my Tempest and i think that it is a fine solid state preamplifier but there is something about the combination of a tube front end and a solid state power amplifier that really does it for me
you have the speed, slam and bass control of a fine bipolar SS amplifier design and the special Magic that tubes bring into the mix and you wind up with the best of both worlds. in my opinion in the front end Tubes Rule!
